Watchlist

What to watch: The Writer

A film by Romas Zabarauskas.

Means Happy

20 Jan 2025 — 4 min read

The latest film from Romas Zabarauskas is The Writer.

In the film, Lithuanian-American Kostas and Russian-Lithuanian Dima reconnect in New York decades after serving in the Soviet army together. They fell in love back in the 80s, and Dima joined Kostas in moving from Russia to Lithuania. But as Lithuania gained Independence in the 90s, Kostas left to study in New York, leaving Dima behind. Kostas, now an established author, has published a book based on their separation. Upon reading it, Dima pays a visit, eager to correct a few facts.

The film stars Bruce Ross as Kostas and Jamie Day as Dima.

"I got the idea for THE WRITER when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022..." explains Romas Zabarauskas. "I was born in 1990, the same year that Lithuania declared Independence. Our generation usually wants to move beyond the past – but Russia's terror made me realize it's still very much present."

"Addressing it, I also hoped to explore the art of conversation. I love Rohmer, Resnais, Varda, Bergman, Cassavetes, and other filmmakers who take time for the dialogue to unfold. Together with three co-writers, we held passionate exchanges about history, geopolitics, and personal responsibility, now embodied by the two characters in the film, Dima and Kostas."

"Ultimately, our film is about the power each of us has over our lives and our societies. How much can we direct our own lives, and how are they affected by the political circumstances? My politics are closer to Dima's: I believe that people can change and that they are responsible for their choices, and liberal democracies deserve to be celebrated. But who could argue with Kostas and all the data he brings to the (kitchen) table, proving a lot more still needs to be done?"